Large Frame Glasses for Men: My Sizing Journey

As a man with a larger face and head, finding large frame glasses for men has been an ongoing challenge. What stores call "large" often isn't large enough, and I've learned to look beyond marketing labels to actual measurements.

When Standard Sizes Don't Fit

I'm 6'3" with a broad face and large head. Standard men's glasses have always felt:

Too narrow across my face

Too tight at the temples

Too short in the arms

Disproportionately small

Even frames labeled "large" were often just medium frames in disguise.

What Actually Qualifies as Large

I learned that truly large frames for men have these specifications:

Lens width: 56mm or larger

Bridge width: 18-20mm

Temple length: 145-150mm

Total frame width: 145mm or more

Most "large" frames in stores are 54mm lens width, which is actually medium-large.

My Size Requirements

After measuring my face and trying many frames, I determined I need:

Lens width: 58-60mm

Bridge width: 19-20mm

Temple length: 148-150mm

Total frame width: 150mm minimum

Finding frames in this size range requires looking beyond typical retail stores.

Where to Find Truly Large Frames

Through research and trial, I've found these sources:

Sports eyewear brands: They make larger frames for athletic builds and active use.

Big and tall optical sections: Some retailers have dedicated sections for larger sizes.

Online specialty retailers: Websites that cater specifically to large frames.

Custom frame makers: For truly oversized needs, custom is sometimes necessary.

Frame Styles That Work

Not all styles scale up well. Here's what works for large men's frames:

Best styles:

Rectangular frames with substantial build

Aviators (naturally wider design)

Square frames with bold lines

Wraparound sports styles

Styles to avoid:

Delicate wire frames (look too small)

Narrow rectangular styles

Small round frames

Minimalist designs

The Temple Length Issue

This is often overlooked but critical for large heads. Standard 140mm temples are too short for me, causing:

Pressure behind ears

Frames sitting too far forward

Constant discomfort

Adjustment limitations

I need 148-150mm temples for proper fit and comfort.

What Other Large-Headed Men Shared

Reading forums, I found many men face the same challenges:

One guy shared that he measures his head circumference (62cm) and uses that to estimate needed temple length.

Another mentioned that he only shops online now because he can filter by exact measurements.

Someone else recommended sports sunglasses brands because they consistently make larger frames.

Material Considerations

Large frames need sturdy materials:

Best materials:

Titanium (strong and lightweight despite size)

Thick acetate (provides structure)

Memory metal (flexible for larger sizes)

Stainless steel (durable)

Thin or delicate materials can't handle the stress of larger frames.

The Proportion Principle

I learned that large frames should be proportional to face size. On my broad face, 58mm frames look normal, not oversized.

The same frames on a smaller face would look huge. It's all about matching frame size to facial proportions.

My Current Shopping Strategy

Only consider frames with 56mm+ lens width

Verify temple length is at least 145mm

Check total frame width is 145mm+

Look for substantial, sturdy construction

Shop primarily online with size filters

Consider sports eyewear brands

Don't trust "large" labels - check actual measurements

The Comfort Difference

When I finally found properly sized large frames, the difference was remarkable:

No pressure points

Frames stay in place naturally

Proportional appearance

All-day comfort

If you're a man with a large face or head, don't settle for frames that are "close enough." True large frames exist, but you have to know the measurements to look for and where to find them. The right size makes all the difference in comfort and appearance.